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Doctor's Office English Vocabulary

Premium

The periodic payment made towards a health care policy. If health insurance is provided by a person’s employment the “premiums” are usually taken out of the monthly check.

“I pay $350 in health insurance premiums.”

HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

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This is a corporation that is financed by the premiums people pay who have chosen the specific HMO. People who work at larger corporations or for the state will usually have the option to choose a HMO to provide their health care. The HMO will have certain doctor’s and medical staff that take care of these patients. Different towns and states have different HMOs that cover the area.

“When I got hired on with Dell I was informed that I would be receiving Healthcare benefits. I had to pick one of the three HMOs that Dell uses as my provider.”

Check In/Admissions

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This is the process you follow when you first arrive at the hospital. Upon entering the main doors of the hospital or medical facility you will see a “Check in” or “Admissions” desk. There will be an employee seated there that will take your information and inform the right people that you have arrived.

Physician

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This is a term that describes a doctor who is trained in the art of healing and practices medicine. In the United States you can get a doctorate in many different subjects (Education, Business, Accounting etc…). The term “physician” specifies that the person who has that title received his/her doctorate in medicine.

Emergency Room/ER

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This is a section of the hospital that is designated for emergencies. There are nurses and doctors on duty at all times to treat patients right away. The staff will see any patient from a car accident victim to an elderly person suffering a heart attack. Patients who have immediate needs will either drive up to the ER door or be taken in by an ambulance.